Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory

Evaluating an FDA Investigational New Animal Drug (INAD) sedative on marine fish species

Aquatic Animal Health Research

Unlike traditional agriculture where only a few animal species are farmed, there are hundreds of species produced in ornamental aquaculture. Relatively little is known about the diseases and optimal husbandry needs of many ornamental species. The TAL has a strong program investigating water quality, husbandry practices, pathogens, and their relationships with fish health.

In addition, there are few drugs or other chemicals that are approved or legal for use in aquaculture. Researchers at TAL work closely with the ornamental aquaculture industry, manufacturers, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Aquatic Animal Drug Approval Partnership Program (USFWS AADAP) to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of aquaculture drugs and therapeutants. In addition to providing management options for existing or emerging disease issues, these data support approval under the New Animal Drug Application (NADA) approval process or legal use via the Index of Legally Marketed Unapproved New Animal Drugs for Minor Species (“The Index”) through the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Faculty and staff also research applied methods to prevent disease and enhance biosecurity, including use of vaccines and disinfectants.